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Problem: What problem is this initiative trying to address?

CATE was created to address the problem of unemployment especially among youths. The education curriculum in Cameroon does not favor youths who graduate from secondary technical and high schools and those who do not have the means to continue their education after elementary school. CATE while working in partnership with the ministry of employment and vocational education, train youths in carpentry,Joinery,sheetmetal,computer,Interior Design etc

Solution Summary: What is the proposed solution? What do you see as its most promising aspects for creating shared value?

CATE trains and empower youths in various skills set to become employment ready and to practice by becoming self employed. During the training process they carry out 70% of practice and 30% of theory. Our students learn how to develop concepts through the needs of the customer through a tested system of production using standard equipment and materials. They develop new products and produce from start to finish. These products are then exhibited for sale in our shop to the general public. We use the money to purchase materials for further training. Our reliable solution that has proven very successful is training students to acquire a skill set. They are able to start their own small shops,provide services to the general public and are self reliant. Above you will see a photo of our wood workshop. we train carpenters and joiners for two years to use all portable and tools in our shop

Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Specify both the social and the environmental impact of your work

The impact of our work on the social and environmental areas have been very successful. We have trained students who are now serving their various communities as skilled craftsmen and women. Many of our students have been employed by local companies in the area and some have traveled to seek employment in different cities in the country. We recruit an average of 100 students yearly for a two year course in 8 different specialties as follows; carpentry and Joinery 10 places,Fashion and design 10 places, Graphic design 10 places,Compute aided design CAD 10 places,interior Design 10 Places, Sheet Metal construction 10 Places. Cabinet making and Mill work, 10 places and Software Training 10 places. We currently have a graduation rate of 80%. Through our production system made easy for production of various craft items, we have improved the standard of living of the people in our cities

Financial sustainability plan: How is this initiative financially supported? How will you ensure its financial sustainability long-term?

We have regular group contributions from members which make up 20% of our running budget yearly. we generate 40% income from local contracts and services. We have received only 10% from donations and we hope to expand our services by building a new shop and warehouse in the city center Bamenda where we could handle most the variety of craft items form our production unit for sale to the general public. We can make more money through production.

Unique value proposition: What makes your initiative innovative? How does your project differ from other organizations working in the same field?

What makes CATE different is our unique practical intense Training,production and management system.

Founding story: Share a story about the "Aha!" moment that sparked the beginning of this initiative.

Many students in Cameroon have been trained to do white collar jobs. When the economy was failing during the last 20 years, many student who had completed schools where idle with nothing to do practically. They became a burden to their parents who had to continue to support them. This initiative was created to engage youths in hand work,and skill training that would lead to professionalism and self reliant. It has also helped those who were unable to complete school and consequently dropped out. A group of skilled professionals decided to come together and setup a common initiative group that could formerly train the skills that is demanded in the community. CATE was born and have since then been a catalyst for development in my community.